Question 1

What counts as an irregular period?

Accepted Answer

A normal cycle is 21 to 35 days, counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Your cycle is irregular if it's often outside this range, if the gap between periods keeps changing by more than a week, or if you skip periods and you're not pregnant.

Question 2

What are the most common causes of irregular periods?

Accepted Answer

In young women, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is the most common cause — it affects about 1 in 5 Indian women. Other common causes are thyroid problems, a lot of stress, sudden weight gain or loss, too much exercise, breastfeeding, and some medicines. In women over 40, irregular cycles are often the first sign of perimenopause.

Question 3

Can stress really delay my period?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stress hormones interfere with the signals between your brain and ovaries that control ovulation. A stressful month can delay your period by days or even weeks. But if your periods stay irregular for more than two or three cycles, don't keep blaming stress. Get checked — treatable conditions like PCOS and thyroid problems cause the same pattern.

Question 4

What tests will the doctor do for irregular periods?

Accepted Answer

Usually, the doctor asks about your health, does a pelvic ultrasound, and orders blood tests — thyroid, prolactin, and hormones like LH, FSH, and testosterone. This finds the cause in most cases. Treatment then depends on the cause: cycle-regulating medicine, thyroid treatment, lifestyle changes, or fertility care if you're trying to conceive.

Question 5

Can I get pregnant with irregular periods?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though it may take longer because ovulation is unpredictable. If your cycles are irregular and you've been trying for six months or more, see a gynecologist. Once we know the cause, making ovulation regular again is often straightforward.

Question 6

How much bleeding counts as heavy?

Accepted Answer

A simple rule: soaking a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours, needing to change protection at night, passing clots bigger than a 1-rupee coin, bleeding for more than 7 days, or periods so bad you cancel work or plans. Feeling worn out is another sign — heavy bleeding often causes low iron (anaemia).

Question 7

What causes heavy periods?

Accepted Answer

Common causes are fibroids (growths in the womb), hormone imbalance (common around puberty and perimenopause), adenomyosis, polyps, thyroid problems, and some birth control like the copper IUD. An ultrasound and a few blood tests usually find the cause.

Question 8

Do heavy periods mean I have fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Not always, but fibroids are a common cause, especially for women in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the womb. Many need no treatment at all. Others can be treated with medicine, or removed with keyhole surgery, depending on their size, location, and your symptoms.

Question 9

How are heavy periods treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the cause, your age, and whether you want children later. Options range from simple medicine that reduces bleeding, to hormone treatment, to procedures for fibroids or polyps. You'll often need iron pills too, to fix low iron. The right plan starts with finding the real cause.

Question 10

Should I worry about heavy periods after 40?

Accepted Answer

Periods often get heavier and less predictable in perimenopause. This is usually just hormones. But new heavy or long bleeding after 40 — and any bleeding after menopause — should be checked. This rules out thickening of the womb lining and other problems. It's a quick check that gives real peace of mind.

Question 11

What causes period cramps?

Accepted Answer

During your period, the womb squeezes to shed its lining. This is driven by chemicals called prostaglandins — more of them means stronger cramps. This normal period pain usually starts within a couple of years of your first period, is worst on day one or two, and eases with simple care. Pain that behaves differently deserves a closer look.

Question 12

When is period pain a sign of something more?

Accepted Answer

Watch out if pain has gotten worse over the years, starts several days before your period, lasts beyond it, happens during sex or using the toilet, or no longer eases with painkillers that used to work. These signs can point to endometriosis or adenomyosis — conditions where tissue like the womb lining grows where it shouldn't.

Question 13

What is endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women. Tissue like the womb lining grows outside the womb — on the ovaries, tubes, or pelvic wall. This causes swelling, bad period pain, pain during sex, and sometimes trouble getting pregnant. In India, it often goes unnoticed for years because the pain gets dismissed as normal. It isn't.

Question 14

How is period pain evaluated and treated?

Accepted Answer

We start with a talk and a pelvic ultrasound. For normal cramps, the right painkillers taken the right way, heat, and sometimes hormone treatment work very well. For endometriosis or adenomyosis, options range from hormone treatment to keyhole surgery, depending on how bad it is and whether you're planning a pregnancy.

Question 15

My teenage daughter has severe cramps. Should she see a gynecologist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bad pain that keeps her home from school every month deserves a check. The first visit is usually just a conversation — no internal exam unless it's really needed. Treating pain early also shows young women that their pain is taken seriously.

Question 16

What should I do first if my period is late?

Accepted Answer

If there's any chance you're pregnant, take a home urine test. It's reliable from about the day your period was due, and works best with your first pee of the morning. If it's negative and your period still hasn't come a week later, test again. Two negative tests make pregnancy very unlikely.

Question 17

What causes a missed period besides pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Stress, big weight changes, hard exercise, being sick, travel, PCOS, thyroid problems, a hormone called prolactin being too high, and some medicines (including emergency contraception) can all delay or stop your period. After 40, skipped periods are often the start of perimenopause. Breastfeeding often stops periods too.

Question 18

How many missed periods are too many?

Accepted Answer

Missing one period now and then is usually nothing serious. But if you've gone three months with no period, and you're not pregnant or breastfeeding, see a gynecologist. Long gaps aren't just inconvenient — over time they can affect your bones and the womb lining, depending on the cause.

Question 19

Can PCOS cause missed periods?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PCOS is the most common cause of missing or rare periods in young women. With PCOS, ovulation happens rarely or not at all, so your periods become unpredictable or stop. Watch for other signs too: acne, extra facial or body hair, weight gain, or thinning hair on your head. An ultrasound and blood tests confirm it.

Question 20

What will the doctor do for absent periods?

Accepted Answer

The doctor will ask about your health, do an exam, a pregnancy test if needed, thyroid and hormone blood tests, and a pelvic ultrasound. Treatment depends on the cause. In most cases, your periods return to a normal pattern once we fix the real problem.

Question 21

What are the common gynecological causes of pelvic pain?

Accepted Answer

Ovulation pain (a one-sided ache mid-cycle), ovarian cysts, pelvic infections, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids are the most common causes. Pain can also come from your bladder or bowel. Part of the doctor's job is telling these apart, which is why it helps to describe your pain in detail.

Question 22

Could it be an ovarian cyst?

Accepted Answer

Maybe. Most ovarian cysts are harmless. They form as a normal part of your cycle and go away on their own. They become a concern if they grow large, stick around for many cycles, or twist or burst — which causes sudden, bad pain that needs urgent care. A simple ultrasound shows the size and type of a cyst, and most just need watching.

Question 23

What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

Accepted Answer

PID is an infection of the womb, tubes, or ovaries. It usually starts as an untreated vaginal or cervix infection. Signs include lower belly pain, fever, unusual discharge, pain during sex, and bleeding between periods. It needs quick antibiotic treatment — if left untreated, PID can damage the fallopian tubes and hurt your fertility.

Question 24

When is pelvic pain an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Sudden, bad, one-sided pain — especially with a missed period, fainting, or vomiting — needs care that same day. It can mean a twisted or burst ovarian cyst, or a pregnancy growing outside the womb. Don't wait for it to pass. Call the clinic or go to the nearest hospital.

Question 25

How will the doctor find the cause?

Accepted Answer

The doctor will ask about your health, do a gentle exam, a pelvic ultrasound, and urine or blood tests if needed. Most causes are found in one visit. Long-lasting pain that hasn't been explained elsewhere sometimes needs a diagnostic laparoscopy — a keyhole procedure that lets the doctor look inside your pelvis directly.

Question 26

How long before my periods become regular with PCOS treatment?

Accepted Answer

Expect a minimum of three months of treatment before cycles become regular. PCOS is a metabolic condition, and the body takes that long to respond — anyone promising faster is overselling it.

Question 27

What makes PCOS treatment work well for some women and not others?

Accepted Answer

The single biggest predictor is how sincerely you take on the lifestyle changes — weight loss and diet in particular. The medicines support that; they do not replace it. Patients who commit to the lifestyle side get noticeably better results.

Question 28

What is the difference between PCOS and PCOD?

Accepted Answer

In everyday use the two names are used for the same condition, and most patients arrive having heard both. What matters more than the name is that it affects your whole metabolism, not just your ovaries — the root cause is how your body handles insulin. Dr. Mazumdar prefers the term PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Syndrome) because it describes the wider effects better: weight gain, tiredness and blood sugar problems, alongside the changes in the ovaries.

Question 29

What are the symptoms of PCOS / PCOD?

Accepted Answer

Common signs are irregular periods, weight gain, acne, extra facial hair, hair loss on the scalp, and feeling tired. If you are trying to have a baby, it can make that take longer. Some women have no signs at all — they find out only when tested for something else.

Question 30

What tests are done to diagnose PCOS / PCOD?

Accepted Answer

We run three blood tests: Fasting Insulin, Total Testosterone, and DHEAS. We also do an ultrasound. It usually shows small cysts around the edge of the ovary, and more follicles than normal. Together, these confirm the diagnosis.

Question 31

Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many women with PCOS get pregnant on their own, or with a little help. PCOS can make ovulation unpredictable, which can make it take longer to conceive — but it does not mean you can't have a baby. Dr. Mazumdar will look at your case and guide you.

Question 32

How is PCOS / PCOD treated at your clinic?

Accepted Answer

We treat the root cause — how your body handles insulin — along with your specific symptoms. This can include diet and lifestyle changes, medicine to help your body use insulin better, hormone treatment to fix your cycle, care for acne or hair changes, and help with ovulation if you want to get pregnant. We check and adjust your plan at every visit.

Question 33

Does PCOS cause unwanted hair growth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Excess hair on the face, chin, chest, or back — called hirsutism — is one of the most common PCOS symptoms, caused by higher levels of male hormones (androgens). It's treatable: we look at your hormone levels, treat the underlying insulin resistance, and can prescribe medication or refer you for hair removal treatments that work well alongside it. You don't have to just live with it.

Question 34

What should I do if there is a problem at night during my pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Call Dr. Mazumdar, and then get to a hospital as soon as possible. Do not wait until morning to see whether it settles. She admits and operates at Pratiksha Rainbow Hospitals on VIP Road and Nemcare Superspecialty Hospitals at Bhangagarh.

Question 35

When should I first see a doctor after becoming pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Most women come to us around 6 weeks after their last period — when they notice a missed period and signs like nausea, vomiting, less appetite, and needing to pee more often. A urine test confirms the pregnancy at this visit.

Question 36

What happens at the first antenatal visit?

Accepted Answer

We ask about your health history and confirm the pregnancy with a urine test. We check your pulse, blood pressure, and weight. Then we order blood tests: a full blood count, thyroid check, blood sugar before and after eating, blood group, Vitamin D, and tests for infections like HIV and hepatitis. An early ultrasound checks your baby's heartbeat. We give you folic acid, multivitamins, and medicine for nausea if you need it.

Question 37

How often will I need to come for check-ups?

Accepted Answer

You'll come in every month, with more blood tests along the way. A special test called the Dual Marker is done at 11–13 weeks, and again at 18–22 weeks. At the same times, we do detailed ultrasounds to check your baby's growth.

Question 38

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

A pregnancy is called high-risk if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, twins, or a past miscarriage or difficult delivery. These pregnancies need closer watching, but with the right care, they go well.

Question 39

Do you handle deliveries at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Deliveries happen at a partner hospital. Dr. Mazumdar guides you the whole way, from your first visit to care after birth. She will tell you which hospital to register at, based on your case.

Question 40

When is a couple considered infertile?

Accepted Answer

A couple is called infertile if they don't conceive after 1 year of trying regularly. If you already know about issues like irregular periods, PCOS, or past infections, come in sooner.

Question 41

What tests are done to investigate infertility?

Accepted Answer

For women: we check thyroid hormones, AMH (a test for egg supply), and Prolactin, plus routine tests like a blood count and blood sugar. For men: a semen test. We also do an HSG — an X-ray test that checks if the fallopian tubes are open.

Question 42

What happens if all the initial tests come back normal?

Accepted Answer

If your tests are normal, we give medicine to support fertility and fix small nutrient gaps. Medicine to help ovulation makes sure the egg is released at the right time. The male partner also gets medicine to improve semen quality and sperm count.

Question 43

What if the couple still doesn't conceive after 6 months of treatment?

Accepted Answer

If pregnancy hasn't happened after 6 months of treatment, the next step is more advanced care — IUI (placing sperm directly in the uterus) or IVF/ICSI. Dr. Mazumdar will guide your referral and coordinate your care.

Question 44

What is an HSG and is it painful?

Accepted Answer

HSG is an X-ray test. It checks if your fallopian tubes are open and your uterus is normal. A dye is put in, then X-rays are taken. It can cause mild cramping, like period pain, for a few minutes.

Question 45

What does normal discharge look like?

Accepted Answer

Normal discharge is clear to milky white, with a mild smell or no smell. It changes through your cycle — stretchy like egg white around ovulation, thicker at other times. It often increases during pregnancy, sexual arousal, or with hormonal birth control. None of this needs treatment.

Question 46

When is white discharge a sign of infection?

Accepted Answer

Thick, white, lumpy discharge with itching or burning usually means a yeast infection. Thin, greyish-white discharge with a fishy smell suggests bacterial vaginosis. Yellow-green, frothy discharge can mean trichomoniasis. All three are common, easy to diagnose, and treatable — but they need different medicines, so it's best not to guess.

Question 47

Why does my discharge smell?

Accepted Answer

A mild smell is normal. A strong fishy smell — especially after sex — usually means bacterial vaginosis, which happens when your normal vaginal bacteria get out of balance. It's not caused by poor hygiene. Washing too much or using intimate washes often makes it worse, by disturbing that balance even more.

Question 48

Can I treat discharge with over-the-counter medicines?

Accepted Answer

Treating it yourself only works if you guess the cause right — and getting it wrong again and again can make infections come back or stop responding to medicine. If your discharge keeps coming back, smells bad, has blood in it, or comes with itching, pain, or fever, get checked once. A simple check-up usually finds the cause right away.

Question 49

Does white discharge cause weakness?

Accepted Answer

This is a common worry, but normal discharge does not cause weakness or harm your body. But ongoing abnormal discharge from an untreated infection can cause discomfort, and in some cases lead to pelvic infection. That's why a real diagnosis matters more than tonics or home remedies.

Question 50

Will I be put on hormone replacement therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not as a first step. At this clinic HRT is the last option, not the opening move. Treatment starts with lifestyle: a good, nutritious diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, enough water, and managing stress. Alongside that, non-hormonal medicines can be prescribed to control hot flashes and excessive sweating. HRT is only prescribed if all of that has been tried and has not worked.

Question 51

What can I do about hot flashes and night sweats without hormones?

Accepted Answer

Quite a lot. The first line is lifestyle — diet, exercise, sleep, water intake and stress. On top of that there are non-hormonal medicines specifically for controlling excessive sweating and hot flashes, and for many women these are enough. Dr. Mazumdar will work through these with you before considering hormone therapy.

Question 52

At what age does menopause usually start?

Accepted Answer

Most women in India reach menopause between 45 and 52. Perimenopause — the years before, with irregular periods and early symptoms — can start earlier, sometimes in your early 40s. Menopause is confirmed after 12 months with no period.

Question 53

What are the common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?

Accepted Answer

Hot flashes, night sweats, irregular or missed periods, mood swings, anxiety, poor sleep, vaginal dryness, less interest in sex, weight gain, and joint pain are all common. Every woman has a different mix — and all of it can be treated.

Question 54

Do I need hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Accepted Answer

Not every woman needs HRT. For some, lifestyle changes and non-hormone medicine are enough. For others, HRT gives real relief and protects bone health. Dr. Mazumdar looks at your symptoms and health history before recommending it, and checks on you regularly if you choose it.

Question 55

Is bleeding after menopause normal?

Accepted Answer

No. Any bleeding after menopause (12 months or more with no period) should be checked right away. It's usually nothing serious, but it can rarely be an early warning sign — so getting checked early is important.

Question 56

How is menopause managed at your clinic?

Accepted Answer

We start by looking closely at your symptoms, cycle history, and general health. Depending on what you need, treatment can include diet and lifestyle advice, non-hormone medicine, hormone therapy, vaginal treatments, and bone health checks to prevent osteoporosis.

Question 57

When should I see a gynecologist?

Accepted Answer

See a gynecologist if you have irregular or missed periods, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, pain during sex, unusual bleeding, or just want a check-up. Don't wait until something feels very wrong. It's always better to get checked early.

Question 58

How do I choose the right gynecologist in Guwahati?

Accepted Answer

Look for someone with real experience in the specific problem you have, a clinic where you feel comfortable being honest, and a doctor who explains things clearly instead of rushing you. Dr. Mazumdar has 30+ years of experience and runs an all-female clinic, so many patients tell us they feel able to speak freely from the first visit.

Question 59

Is a gynecology examination painful?

Accepted Answer

Most check-ups are not painful. A pelvic exam might feel a little uncomfortable for a few seconds, but it should not hurt. Dr. Mazumdar makes sure you're comfortable and explains each step before she does it.

Question 60

Can unmarried women consult here?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All women are welcome, no matter their age or marital status. This is a private, judgement-free clinic. Everything you share stays confidential.

Question 61

What conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We treat many conditions: irregular or heavy periods, PCOS, ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, vaginal infections, hormone problems, pelvic infections, and more.

Question 62

What tests will I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your symptoms. Common tests are a pelvic ultrasound, blood tests for hormones, a Pap smear, and vaginal swabs. Dr. Mazumdar only orders tests that fit your specific problem.

Question 63

What conditions are treated with laparoscopic surgery at your clinic?

Accepted Answer

We use it for growths like fibroids and ovarian cysts, and for endometriosis — removing scar tissue, cysts, and treating endometriosis spots. We also use it to help treat infertility.

Question 64

What is hysteroscopy and is it done alongside laparoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Hysteroscopy uses a thin camera to look right inside your uterus. It's often done together with laparoscopy. Through it, we can remove polyps, scar tissue, and certain fibroids — without any outer cuts.

Frequently asked questions

Periods & cycle problems

PCOS / PCOD

Pregnancy & delivery

Fertility & conceiving

Vaginal health & infections

Menopause

Gynecology & surgery

Vaccination & screening

Adolescent health

Abortion care

Appointments, fees & the clinic

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